Present day
The Hinterlands trip had gone well for the most part. Jen found that she was growing to like Varric and Solas very much and Cassandra seemed to be softening towards her as well. The fighting mages and templars had been cleared from the crossroads and she had spoken with Mother Giselle about how best to help the people. As with many women of the chantry, she was a strong and intelligent woman. Her expectations of Jen as the Herald were moderate however, but Mother Giselle had made Jen feel as though she could see through her. It was an uncomfortable feeling.
They were returning to Haven to resupply, Jen riding a beautiful horse that had been gifted to her by a horse master she had managed to convince to help the Inquisition. But as well as this, they had headed back after receiving a letter from Leliana stating that the Chantry had upped its smear campaign against the Inquisition. It was, as the spymaster had said, time for the Inquisition to face the Chantry and demand its cooperation for the good of the people. That meant a visit to Val Royeux.
The weight of responsibly that Jen felt upon her shoulders was growing with every person she saved. That being said, she found that helping people slowly but surely was easing the darkness she carried with her, or at least gave her something else to focus on. And although helping people didn't give her the singular rush that an assassination gave her, it was a less powerful but longer lasting feeling of satisfaction.
There was a sound of a breaking twig. A rustling. Someone or something was hurting towards them through the undergrowth. Jen held her left hand up for everyone to stop and pulled her daggers from the sheath of her back. Glancing at Cassandra, the Seeker nodded, her face set and determined and they dismounted their horses. The person flew out of the cover of the trees and was brought to the ground by a smart trip from Cassandra. Varric stepped over the intruder with his crossbow, then laughed and held out his hand.
"Next time you have something to report soldier, maybe announce yourself before running headlong into the midst of a group of highly armed people," he guffawed as the young scout blushed deeply and stuttered.
"Sorry Lady Herald," he nodded in Jen's direction.
"I came to warn you my Lady. There is a rider ahead of you on the road towards Haven. They are very well armed and their shield has a crest that I didn't recognise. A bulls head. Perhaps a mercenary."
Jen sheathed her daggers and smiled at the scout.
"Thank you for the warning, you did well. But I can assure you that in this instance I am perfectly safe." She noticed that Cassandra looked confused, but Jen ignored the Seeker for the moment.
The young scout pulled his hood back up, saluted and ran off back into the trees, likely to keep watch over the rider ahead.
"I take it you recognise the crest he mentioned?" asked Cassandra bluntly as she climbed back onto her horse and they picked up the pace.
"Yes," shouted Jen as they broke into a gallop. "I don't know them personally, but by reputation. The Bull's Chargers are some of the best mercenaries out there and they work by a code."
They rounded a bend at full speed and as Jen squinted against the yellowing light of the setting sun, she made out the silhouette of a well armoured figure up ahead. As they slowed he turned his horse around to face them.
"Well met," said the man with a strong accent that Jen thought might be Tevinter in origin. He nodded at Jen and her party.
"You are from the Bull's Chargers' mercenary company, I recognise the crest on your shield," she stated slowly. He didn't argue, in fact his face seemed to brighten at the recognition. His height was hard to tell while sat on a horse, but the man was well armoured and powerfully built. His hair was a close cropped auburn colour, with shaved sides that framed his square jaw.
"I am indeed my lady. Lieutenant Cremisius Aclassi at your service, or Krem for short," he said winking mischievously. "I have come to extend an invitation to you to come and see us in action. The Iron Bull likes what he hears about the Inquisition and you will need the best if you are going to stop that hole in sky. The Bull's Chargers are the best."
"I must admit that I've heard of the Chargers before. It would be interesting to see if you deserve your reputation." Jen said slowly.
"We do." Krem stated matter-of-factly.
"I would need to discuss this further with my colleagues, but let's say for now that I'm interested. Would you care to join us at Haven for a rest and a meal while we consider this fully?"
"That sounds good to me." Krem grinned.
As they headed off again, Krem in tow, Jen smiled as he was immediately accosted by Varric asking if he liked to play Wicked Grace.
"Jennifer, are you sure this is wise?" Cassandra had moved to ride along side her.
"Trust me," she said, taking in the doubt in the Seeker's face. "We need more soldiers and they are some of the best."
"Yes, but will we be able to afford them?" Cassandra asked quietly.
Jen ran her fingers though her black hair in frustration. "I know. Hopefully Josephine or Leliana will be able to think of something. But if we can get them and they are as good as I have heard, they will be more than worth it."
[A/N I just wanted say thank you to both kimmyycubb and Rose13296 for your kind reviews]
